3 Reasons You Don’t Want a Fabric Awning

Many homeowners and business owners decide to install fabric awnings on their structures as a way to protect windows and doors against the environment. The awnings are designed to protect the exterior structure against harsh environmental conditions including intense sunshine, rain and snow. They also serve as a decorative fixture of homes and business offices. When properly installed, they can add convenience while reducing intense sunshine to maintain a more comfortable level of air inside the home or office.

Most property owners install the awnings because they can provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the structure’s façade. They can offer weather-tight construction and help protect the home or office against intense moisture, especially during rainstorms. However, selecting the best materials is essential when installing awnings to ensure they will hold up well over time.

While there are specific advantages to installing a fabric awning on a residential home or commercial property, it has its many disadvantages also. It will protect the home or office’s windows and doors against harsh sunlight and intense damaging rain while adding value to the structure, at least initially. However, it has significant disadvantages over the selection of other materials, especially awnings fabricated out of copper.

The three reasons to avoid installing a fabric awning on a residential home or commercial property include:

1. Minimal Durability – How long a fabric awning will last is dependent on a variety of conditions. Installing a fabric awning in specific locations can dramatically reduce its longevity and will require replacement long before the end of its life expectancy has arrived. It is best to avoid installing fabric awnings in direct sunlight, around smoky areas (outdoor grills, fire pits, chimneys, etc.). Additionally, a fabric awning should not be installed where any tree sap, tree branches or debris can fall or buildup on the top surface of the awning. The hardware of a fabric awning is usually sold with some kind of limited warranty, meaning it can often be reused when new fabric is installed.

2. Easily Fades – Some companies that manufacture fabric awnings will treat the fabric as a way to slow down the fading process. However, intense full sunshine will often cause dramatic fading within a couple of years. Fabric awnings that have been treated will often fade uniformly and become dull overall within a couple of years. In time, all fabric awnings will fade and need to be replaced.

3. Continual Maintenance – Maintaining a fabric awning is critical to its long-lasting functionality. It is important to check the awning at the end of every season to search for any holes, tears, rips, or signs of mildew. If any damage is located, the fabric will need to be repaired to prevent any further damage. Many times, fabric awnings will fray along the end of the valance and require replacement. Additionally, the metal components are usually fabricated out of anodized aluminum or galvanized steel and are highly susceptible to corrosion without proper care and ongoing maintenance.

There are other alternatives to installing awnings over the windows and doors of a residential home or commercial property. By fabricating and installing copper awnings, property owners can enjoy added aesthetic beauty to the structure with virtually no maintenance required. The decorative beauty of copper adds a significant value as a long-term investment to the structure.

Copper develops its own natural patina, which serves as a protection for generations. The more oxidation that occurs on the surface of the copper, the stronger the layer of protection becomes over time. This is why copper awnings that were installed decades ago still provide continuing protection against environmental conditions including intense sunshine and damaging rainstorms. This is why choosing a fabric awning over copper awning is not a smart decision.

Tired of replacing fabric awnings?  Click here to browse our selection of hand made copper awnings.